Description
This Kimchi Udon with Scallions recipe is a vibrant and comforting Korean-inspired dish featuring chewy udon noodles tossed in a savory, spicy sauce made with kimchi, gochujang, and aromatic seasonings. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, this vegetarian main course is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen udon noodles
Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup napa cabbage kimchi, chopped with juices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes for fresh or frozen noodles. Once cooked, drain and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
- Heat Oils and Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the neutral cooking oil and sesame oil. Add the sliced yellow onions and cook until they soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Kimchi and Aromatics: Add the chopped kimchi along with its juices, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the kimchi starts to caramelize slightly.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, vegetable broth, and rice vinegar. Mix well until the sauce is smooth, then let it simmer briefly to combine all the flavors, about 2 minutes.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles directly to the skillet. Toss carefully to coat the noodles evenly with the spicy kimchi sauce and heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish generously with the thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For added protein, top with a fried egg or stir in tofu or cooked shrimp.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level according to your preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot to maintain the perfect texture of the noodles.
